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To fight poverty in Africa, a new-old solution: cash handouts

Ryan Lenora Brown

December 11, 2016 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Lesotho, Maseru

The approach of giving cash straight to poor people - rather than funneling goods or services indirectly through the slow, diluted, and complex systems of charities or governments - is nothing new, but evidence of long-term success and sustainability are few. That's why many NGOs and governments are now coupling cash transfers with more comprehensive programs such as job training and financial counseling, as well as addressing some of the root causes that keep people poor, like lack of infrastructure and market access.

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Sex ed program goes far beyond sex, succeeds by meeting basic needs

Ann Zaniewski

December 07, 2016 |

Detroit Free Press |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Research has shown that when young people have their basic needs met and feel positive about their futures, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. The Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program has reduced pregnancy rates by 40 percent in New York by meeting teens educational, emotional, and employment needs.

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Big Bet Philanthropy: How More Givers Are Spending Big And Taking Risks To Solve Society's Problems

Kerry A. Dolan

November 30, 2016 |

Forbes |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

For the superrich and the biggest U.S. charitable foundations, donating to universities, hospitals and cultural institutions is the norm. Less common are donations targeted at "social change" such as alleviating poverty or tackling global warming - but that is beginning to change. An in-depth study from the Bridgespan Group is showing how big bets in philanthropy are paying off, as well as what factors - such as a close donor-recipient relationship - are key to success.

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Santa Fe couple helps Homewise create solar power loan fund

Bruce Krasnow

November 21, 2016 |

The Santa Fe New Mexican |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Santa Fe, New Mexico

For low- and moderate-income families in Santa Fe, home solar-voltaic systems can be an attractive but hard-to-finance idea. A local couple is partnering with Homewise to offer loans to homeowners interested in installing these systems. So far, Ann Alexander and Richard Khanlian’s $500,000 pledge has helped 19 homeowners get solar energy projects off the ground.

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Cash Cards For Syrian Refugees

Sahar Zand

November 20, 2016 |

BBC |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Lebanon, Beqaa Valley

In a creative twist, Syrian refugees are being given cash cards to spend as they wish rather than being given food boxes or in-kind donations. Agencies and refugees themselves say that it gives them dignity and choice, which are important in the survival process. It was also much more efficient and cheaper to distribute money than buying food. This podcast cites a study done to prove its efficacy, talks to a couple refugee families, and notes that results could vary from country to country.

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A day to expunge criminal records is hugely popular in Philly

Jane M. Von Bergen

November 11, 2016 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, people with certain types of misdemeanors can ask the courts to seal their records from public view. When this law was passed, a team of 175 lawyers, paralegals, and law students volunteered to help eligible people start the process of sealing their records. The event was a big hit with 1,853 people signing up for help, so many that registration had to close. Of the applicants, 1,200 will likely get their records sealed.

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India's Life Savers

Fehmida Zakeer

November 10, 2016 |

Bright Magazine |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Cyclones or floods could not close Sneha Center for Suicide Prevention in South India. This volunteer-run clinic is in the country with the highest number of suicides in the world. It is open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, offering confidential support to people in distress. Since its founding in 1986, Sneha has received more than 350,000 calls, as well as in-person visits, emails, and postcards.

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Americans Are Getting Their Voluntourism Fix on a New Carnival Cruise

Jacob Kushner

November 07, 2016 |

Vice |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Fathom is the world's first-ever cruise line for people who want to vacation and volunteer as a way of helping poor families in the Dominican Republic have concrete floors, water filters etc. However, the impact of this organization is unknown given a lack of data and contrasting anecdotal evidence.

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Cash and Tech Replace Bags of Rice in Urban Humanitarian Aid

Molly McCluskey

November 04, 2016 |

Diplomatic Courier |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Jordan, Amman

Refugees often find cold cash far more helpful than bags of rice or other products foundations provide. Iris scanners can make identity verification much easier for refugees to access money that is distributed to them at banks.

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An All-Volunteer Clinic With Muslim Roots Brings the Community Together to Save Lives

Muhammad Safwatullah

October 19, 2016 |

Zócalo Public Square |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, San Bernardino, California

Al-Shifa Free Health Clinic is located in an underserved area of San Bernardino. The clinic sees over 200 patients every month for specialized medical treatment and dental care, as they employ volunteer doctors from myriad specialties.

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